After the capture of Cotentin on June 18, three American divisions moved back towards the north, towards Festung Cherbourg , where the Germans had withdrawn, isolated on the peninsula. Their fortress was mostly turned towards the sea. The final battle took place from the 22nd to the 30th of June, step by step, leading to the surrender of General von Schlieben on 26 June. Nevertheless, the battle did not finish for four more days, in the Hague. The Americans would take 39,000 prisoners during this battle, their first victory in Normandy. Text in French Colour illustrations